As cars become shared spaces for travelling, working or relaxing, how people connect and control their surroundings will become increasingly important.

Faurecia and Parrot Automotive have been combining their expertise to accelerate solutions for the cockpit of the future integrating premium smart surfaces and decoration, HMI, infotainment and connectivity solutions.

Our latest demonstrator showcases the Parrot electronics and software powering the smart surfaces of a premium Faurecia instrument panel. With this innovative connectivity system, users are able to access and control their favorite apps through a multimedia touchscreen. It integrates all the typical functionality a driver needs at his/her fingertips - from radio, navigation, in-car telephone, mobile devices to the connectivity to the car infotainment system.

The brain behind the system

At the heart of the system are two electronic control units: the Simple Box and the HMI Brain. The HMI Brain runs the cluster display and the center stack touchscreen while the Simple Box handles vehicle connectivity, telephone connectivity, radio reception and voice recognition. It also includes a volume control rotary switch, a storage space for a smartphone and tactile steering wheel controls.

This demonstrator draws on Faurecia’s extensive expertise in integrating displays over large surfaces with the use of innovative materials, with optical bonding to deliver optimal image perception and touch performance, plus that all important black-panel effect.

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As cars become shared spaces for travelling, working or relaxing, how people connect and control their surroundings will become increasingly important.

Faurecia and Parrot Automotive have been combining their expertise to accelerate solutions for the cockpit of the future integrating premium smart surfaces and decoration, HMI, infotainment and connectivity solutions.

Our latest demonstrator showcases the Parrot electronics and software powering the smart surfaces of a premium Faurecia instrument panel. With this innovative connectivity system, users are able to access and control their favorite apps through a multimedia touchscreen. It integrates all the typical functionality a driver needs at his/her fingertips - from radio, navigation, in-car telephone, mobile devices to the connectivity to the car infotainment system.

The brain behind the system

At the heart of the system are two electronic control units: the Simple Box and the HMI Brain. The HMI Brain runs the cluster display and the center stack touchscreen while the Simple Box handles vehicle connectivity, telephone connectivity, radio reception and voice recognition. It also includes a volume control rotary switch, a storage space for a smartphone and tactile steering wheel controls.

This demonstrator draws on Faurecia’s extensive expertise in integrating displays over large surfaces with the use of innovative materials, with optical bonding to deliver optimal image perception and touch performance, plus that all important black-panel effect.

Autonomous driving will bring new uses for the interior transforming it into a shared space for travelling, working and relaxing. This means thatS seats will no longer need to be fixed facing forward and upright and new solutions for seat belts and air bags as well as other comfort features need to be rethought.

A safety cocoon

Faurecia and ZF have developed an innovative frame concept called the Advanced Versatile Structure (AVS) that allows occupants to drive, relax and work in a safe and seamless way. Intelligently powered kinematics effortlessly recline, lift, adjust and swivel the seat, and then return it smoothly and quickly back to the upright driving position.

The backrest is divided into two parts, with a composite Upper Backrest Adjustment (UBA) providing the necessary support to ensure occupant comfort when the seat is reclined. The length of the upper backrest and height of the headrest and neck support can all be power-adjusted.

The seatbelt and belt retractor are both integrated into the seat, meaning that the seatbelt can function optimally in different seat positions. In addition, the UBA module on both the driver and passenger seats has airbags on their outer edges, protecting occupants in the event of an accident.

Combining safety and comfort

The AVS is designed as a platform that can easily integrate a range of comfort features:

The back side of the Upper Backrest Adjustment (UBA) UBA can be fitted with a docking station or display, optimizing the space in the back of the car.

The integrated headrest is designed with “wings” which can be moved 25° and also contain speakers, positioning the wings closer to the occupant for optimal acoustics and preventing other passengers from hearing the sound.

Armrests are designed to adapt and change position according to the occupant’s activity as well as stowing things away for easy entry

Faurecia has drawn on its expertise in designing and making seat parts and mechanisms using a mix of materials - combining aluminum, new steel grades and composites to reduce seat frame weight by 8kg, improving environmental and technical performance alongside safety.

The AVS is the first demonstrator from the Faurecia and ZF partnership launched in May 2017 that aims to offer complete interior safety and comfort features for the new interior configurations of the cockpit of the future.

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Autonomous driving will bring new uses for the interior transforming it into a shared space for travelling, working and relaxing. This means thatS seats will no longer need to be fixed facing forward and upright and new solutions for seat belts and air bags as well as other comfort features need to be rethought.

A safety cocoon

Faurecia and ZF have developed an innovative frame concept called the Advanced Versatile Structure (AVS) that allows occupants to drive, relax and work in a safe and seamless way. Intelligently powered kinematics effortlessly recline, lift, adjust and swivel the seat, and then return it smoothly and quickly back to the upright driving position.

The backrest is divided into two parts, with a composite Upper Backrest Adjustment (UBA) providing the necessary support to ensure occupant comfort when the seat is reclined. The length of the upper backrest and height of the headrest and neck support can all be power-adjusted.

The seatbelt and belt retractor are both integrated into the seat, meaning that the seatbelt can function optimally in different seat positions. In addition, the UBA module on both the driver and passenger seats has airbags on their outer edges, protecting occupants in the event of an accident.

Combining safety and comfort

The AVS is designed as a platform that can easily integrate a range of comfort features:

The back side of the Upper Backrest Adjustment (UBA) UBA can be fitted with a docking station or display, optimizing the space in the back of the car.

The integrated headrest is designed with “wings” which can be moved 25° and also contain speakers, positioning the wings closer to the occupant for optimal acoustics and preventing other passengers from hearing the sound.

Armrests are designed to adapt and change position according to the occupant’s activity as well as stowing things away for easy entry

Faurecia has drawn on its expertise in designing and making seat parts and mechanisms using a mix of materials - combining aluminum, new steel grades and composites to reduce seat frame weight by 8kg, improving environmental and technical performance alongside safety.

The AVS is the first demonstrator from the Faurecia and ZF partnership launched in May 2017 that aims to offer complete interior safety and comfort features for the new interior configurations of the cockpit of the future.

Autonomous driving will change the way we interact with the vehicles in which we travel. Faurecia has been inventing ways to transform the driving area into a cockpit that adapts to different driving modes and enhances the user experience.

The morphing instrument panel represents a new generation of adaptive surfaces that are able to change display, functionality and position. Drawing on its expertise in mechatronics, kinematics and design, Faurecia has integrated a series of micro-mechanisms that adapt the screen and panel surface depending on the driving mode.

How it works

When the driver switches from driving to autonomous mode, the display glides from the driver’s side to a central position and the instrument panel surface simultaneously adapts its shape too. A flexible micro-mechanism facilitaties this change in a seamless “wavy” movement. This transformation allows occupants to enjoy an optimal display surface for either navigation or entertainment.

In driving mode, the display can be used as a driving cluster giving driving information and safety signals, as well as acting as a central screen for navigation and media.

In autonomous mode, the display becomes a large entertainment screen visible for all passengers.

Faurecia’s vision of the cockpit of the future is a space that’s versatile, connected and predictive, redesigning the interior so occupants can seamlessly switch between driving, working and relaxing. Connectivity and infotainment solutions will be ever more important in these new travelling modes.

The morphing surface developed by Faurecia draws on the Group’s experience across a number of speciality areas: cockpit architecture, systems integration, kinematics and mechatronics as well as its experience in developing smart surfaces and displays.

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Autonomous driving will change the way we interact with the vehicles in which we travel. Faurecia has been inventing ways to transform the driving area into a cockpit that adapts to different driving modes and enhances the user experience.

The morphing instrument panel represents a new generation of adaptive surfaces that are able to change display, functionality and position. Drawing on its expertise in mechatronics, kinematics and design, Faurecia has integrated a series of micro-mechanisms that adapt the screen and panel surface depending on the driving mode.

How it works

When the driver switches from driving to autonomous mode, the display glides from the driver’s side to a central position and the instrument panel surface simultaneously adapts its shape too. A flexible micro-mechanism facilitaties this change in a seamless “wavy” movement. This transformation allows occupants to enjoy an optimal display surface for either navigation or entertainment.

In driving mode, the display can be used as a driving cluster giving driving information and safety signals, as well as acting as a central screen for navigation and media.

In autonomous mode, the display becomes a large entertainment screen visible for all passengers.

Faurecia’s vision of the cockpit of the future is a space that’s versatile, connected and predictive, redesigning the interior so occupants can seamlessly switch between driving, working and relaxing. Connectivity and infotainment solutions will be ever more important in these new travelling modes.

The morphing surface developed by Faurecia draws on the Group’s experience across a number of speciality areas: cockpit architecture, systems integration, kinematics and mechatronics as well as its experience in developing smart surfaces and displays.

Natural Motion from Faurecia is a new simpler, more natural, way to move a seat and backrest to achieve the best body posture. With Natural Motion, seat adjustment commands are at your finger tip, – no more bending forward to pull up a handle.

Reinventing seat adjustment

Traditionally seat adjustment is either manual or electrically powered using motors. Natural Motion is entirely different from either of these approaches. It’s a flexible system that allows for one or more human-machine interfaces (HMI) to be placed on the steering wheel or next to the seat. A driver can unlock and relock the seat or the backrest simply by pushing a button. Then he easily slides the seat into position with his body whilst remaining in the driving position. Control buttons can integrate visual, audio or haptic feedback.

Instead of the manual recliner lever and height adjuster, Natural Motion™ uses “fast switches,” paddles or buttons arranged at convenient positions that quickly release seats from their tracks and allow for adjustments with easy body motions. Natural Motion rewrites the rule that a seat adjuster must be situated on the seat. Natural Motion HMIs can operate either with wired connections or wirelessly from anywhere the OEM wishes to position them—on the seat, the door, the console or the steering wheel.

The HMI can be placed in a location that is immediately visible when the driver enters the vehicle and can be activated to move the seat backward for entry. An HMI on the seatback can fold the seat forward instantly for entry into the second row. With a touch, the driver also can unlock the front passenger seat to make second-row entry easier. Ultimately, the seats even could be unlocked via a smartphone app.

The system accommodates an electronic control unit under the seat and customizable software. Natural Motion can be implemented at various customized levels with, for instance a memory function, backlighting for the switches, or visual and sound feedback.

When Faurecia tested Natural Motion with consumers in Europe and China, it proved to be far superior to a manual seat, while many rated it better than a full powered seat experience! When consumers tried it they described the experience as a delightful surprise as if the seat knew the occupant wanted to move it.

“Magic” effect with lightweight and reduced energy consumption

The system that supports this new experience weighs 700 grams less and consumes 80 percent less energy than a powered seat. Its software-based electronics allow for such adaptations as locking out seat adjustment if the vehicle is moving beyond a preset speed.

The Natural Motion™ concept originated at the Faurecia Works think tank in Michigan. It was developed by Faurecia R&D staff in France and Germany, along with the company’s best experts in mechatronics. It is the result of a truly international and interdisciplinary collaboration in Faurecia’s successful effort to upgrade seat adjustment to something new—an experience much more ergonomically comfortable than manual and both faster and more intuitive than power seats.

A first step on the path to a transformable cockpit

Natural Motion™ helps set a path for seat adjustment in the cockpit of the future. When autonomous vehicles take to the road, they will need more versatile interiors with much more frequent seat adjustments

An advanced version of Natural Motion™ will contain a memory function. As ridesharing increases in popularity, such preset adjustments will become even more important, and future versions of Natural Motion™ may allow individuals to bring their seat-adjustment profile with them on their mobile phone as they enter a different car.

[summary] =>
[format] => full_html
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Natural Motion from Faurecia is a new simpler, more natural, way to move a seat and backrest to achieve the best body posture. With Natural Motion, seat adjustment commands are at your finger tip, – no more bending forward to pull up a handle.

Reinventing seat adjustment

Traditionally seat adjustment is either manual or electrically powered using motors. Natural Motion is entirely different from either of these approaches. It’s a flexible system that allows for one or more human-machine interfaces (HMI) to be placed on the steering wheel or next to the seat. A driver can unlock and relock the seat or the backrest simply by pushing a button. Then he easily slides the seat into position with his body whilst remaining in the driving position. Control buttons can integrate visual, audio or haptic feedback.

Instead of the manual recliner lever and height adjuster, Natural Motion™ uses “fast switches,” paddles or buttons arranged at convenient positions that quickly release seats from their tracks and allow for adjustments with easy body motions. Natural Motion rewrites the rule that a seat adjuster must be situated on the seat. Natural Motion HMIs can operate either with wired connections or wirelessly from anywhere the OEM wishes to position them—on the seat, the door, the console or the steering wheel.

The HMI can be placed in a location that is immediately visible when the driver enters the vehicle and can be activated to move the seat backward for entry. An HMI on the seatback can fold the seat forward instantly for entry into the second row. With a touch, the driver also can unlock the front passenger seat to make second-row entry easier. Ultimately, the seats even could be unlocked via a smartphone app.

The system accommodates an electronic control unit under the seat and customizable software. Natural Motion can be implemented at various customized levels with, for instance a memory function, backlighting for the switches, or visual and sound feedback.

When Faurecia tested Natural Motion with consumers in Europe and China, it proved to be far superior to a manual seat, while many rated it better than a full powered seat experience! When consumers tried it they described the experience as a delightful surprise as if the seat knew the occupant wanted to move it.

“Magic” effect with lightweight and reduced energy consumption

The system that supports this new experience weighs 700 grams less and consumes 80 percent less energy than a powered seat. Its software-based electronics allow for such adaptations as locking out seat adjustment if the vehicle is moving beyond a preset speed.

The Natural Motion™ concept originated at the Faurecia Works think tank in Michigan. It was developed by Faurecia R&D staff in France and Germany, along with the company’s best experts in mechatronics. It is the result of a truly international and interdisciplinary collaboration in Faurecia’s successful effort to upgrade seat adjustment to something new—an experience much more ergonomically comfortable than manual and both faster and more intuitive than power seats.

A first step on the path to a transformable cockpit

Natural Motion™ helps set a path for seat adjustment in the cockpit of the future. When autonomous vehicles take to the road, they will need more versatile interiors with much more frequent seat adjustments

An advanced version of Natural Motion™ will contain a memory function. As ridesharing increases in popularity, such preset adjustments will become even more important, and future versions of Natural Motion™ may allow individuals to bring their seat-adjustment profile with them on their mobile phone as they enter a different car.

The next generation of cars will be connected and intuitive, consistently reflecting the driver’s preferences and adapting architecture and functionality. Interior electronics will be embedded into the cockpit, using new materials and smart surfaces. Smartphones and tablets will be fully integrated into the car, with new infotainment solutions and access to external applications. Interiors will become modular to adapt to driving conditions.

Faurecia demonstrates a series of connected and transformable technologies in a dedicated zone arranged as a “living room” that will be integrated into the cockpit of the future for a new life on board experience. These technologies use integrated electronics, mechatronics, smart surfaces and new materials for a life on board experience including an adaptable interior with additional retractable tablets and screens for autonomous driving mode and intuitive control of functions such as ambient lighting, ventilation, seat massage and active screens.

Smart Pebble elements, displayed and demonstrated at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, will help make vehicles more responsive, more proactive and more adaptable to individual drivers and passengers, enhancing life onboard with new capabilities and transformable interior areas.
Smart Pebble is highlighted by five major displays:

Transformable instrument panel, integrating smart surfaces

This instrument panel is completely surfaced with real glass, producing brighter displays with better color and image quality. The panel includes the complete digital instrument-cluster display, as well as an electronic version of Faurecia’s DecoVent, which automatically adjusts the strength and direction of heated or cooled air. Faurecia is the first company to create such complex glass shapes and the only supplier to integrate a ventilation function within a glass surface. The glass screens have been developed in partnership with Corning® Gorilla® Glass.

The driver can turn the instrument panel cluster on or off by pressing a button on the glass surface. In normal driving mode, the cluster shows such conventional data as speed and fuel gauges. When the vehicle enters autonomous driving mode, a second screen rises from the back of the instrument panel, and a tabletop slides out under the main screen. This table, which includes some storage space could be used in a variety of ways – for working, eating or leisure. The controls in this cockpit element use Faurecia DecoControl technology, with an aluminum or wood surface that serves as both decoration and a functional component.

Smart surfaces

Faurecia has created a multi-curved, glass information display for the vehicle center stack. It transforms real glass into a 3D shape with touch-screen technology, allowing occupants to interact with two active matrix organic light emitting diodes (AMOLED) center-stack touch screens. The DecoDisplay glass appears black when the system is off; but when activated, the lower screen displays icons for apps and controls, while the upper screen can carry information streamed from a smartphone.

Adaptable lighting

A decorative, real-glass panel, this DecoLight can be integrated between the instrument panel and the door panel to provide backlighting effects. The same type of lighted glass technology could be used in other areas as well, including the console or the seatback. At the Paris Motor Show, visitors will be able to use a smartphone app to control the lighting color – in the vehicle the lighting could be controlled via smart surfaces integrated into the instrument panel, the seat or the screen.

Modular retractable folding table

For vehicle passengers, Faurecia has designed a decorative band that, when pressed, activates a spring-loaded table that pops up and unfolds, much like the tables in an airliner cabin. This table can provide support for mobile devices, games, drinks, meals and other objects. It also can be equipped with a charging pad for phones and tablets.

Seat pebble

A final display is a lounge-style seat including massage functions, active seams and light-in-piping along the side.

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The next generation of cars will be connected and intuitive, consistently reflecting the driver’s preferences and adapting architecture and functionality. Interior electronics will be embedded into the cockpit, using new materials and smart surfaces. Smartphones and tablets will be fully integrated into the car, with new infotainment solutions and access to external applications. Interiors will become modular to adapt to driving conditions.

Faurecia demonstrates a series of connected and transformable technologies in a dedicated zone arranged as a “living room” that will be integrated into the cockpit of the future for a new life on board experience. These technologies use integrated electronics, mechatronics, smart surfaces and new materials for a life on board experience including an adaptable interior with additional retractable tablets and screens for autonomous driving mode and intuitive control of functions such as ambient lighting, ventilation, seat massage and active screens.

Smart Pebble elements, displayed and demonstrated at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, will help make vehicles more responsive, more proactive and more adaptable to individual drivers and passengers, enhancing life onboard with new capabilities and transformable interior areas.
Smart Pebble is highlighted by five major displays:

Transformable instrument panel, integrating smart surfaces

This instrument panel is completely surfaced with real glass, producing brighter displays with better color and image quality. The panel includes the complete digital instrument-cluster display, as well as an electronic version of Faurecia’s DecoVent, which automatically adjusts the strength and direction of heated or cooled air. Faurecia is the first company to create such complex glass shapes and the only supplier to integrate a ventilation function within a glass surface. The glass screens have been developed in partnership with Corning® Gorilla® Glass.

The driver can turn the instrument panel cluster on or off by pressing a button on the glass surface. In normal driving mode, the cluster shows such conventional data as speed and fuel gauges. When the vehicle enters autonomous driving mode, a second screen rises from the back of the instrument panel, and a tabletop slides out under the main screen. This table, which includes some storage space could be used in a variety of ways – for working, eating or leisure. The controls in this cockpit element use Faurecia DecoControl technology, with an aluminum or wood surface that serves as both decoration and a functional component.

Smart surfaces

Faurecia has created a multi-curved, glass information display for the vehicle center stack. It transforms real glass into a 3D shape with touch-screen technology, allowing occupants to interact with two active matrix organic light emitting diodes (AMOLED) center-stack touch screens. The DecoDisplay glass appears black when the system is off; but when activated, the lower screen displays icons for apps and controls, while the upper screen can carry information streamed from a smartphone.

Adaptable lighting

A decorative, real-glass panel, this DecoLight can be integrated between the instrument panel and the door panel to provide backlighting effects. The same type of lighted glass technology could be used in other areas as well, including the console or the seatback. At the Paris Motor Show, visitors will be able to use a smartphone app to control the lighting color – in the vehicle the lighting could be controlled via smart surfaces integrated into the instrument panel, the seat or the screen.

Modular retractable folding table

For vehicle passengers, Faurecia has designed a decorative band that, when pressed, activates a spring-loaded table that pops up and unfolds, much like the tables in an airliner cabin. This table can provide support for mobile devices, games, drinks, meals and other objects. It also can be equipped with a charging pad for phones and tablets.

Seat pebble

A final display is a lounge-style seat including massage functions, active seams and light-in-piping along the side.